Why you should always consult a doctor if suffering from Dupuytren’s Contracture?

When suffering from any medical condition, it is recommended that a doctor be consulted before making any decisions. The same is the case with Dupuytren’s Contracture. 

Why is a Doctor necessary?

Diagnosis:

Dupuytren’s Contracture is a slowly progressing disease and may take some time to reveal itself. Sometimes only seemingly harmless nodules develop on the hands and evolve into the contracture later on in time. If they are noticed early, the disease can possibly be delayed. Thus prompt consultation of the doctor is necessary so action can be taken.

Figuring out Cause:

Because there is no definite cause of Dupuytren’s Contracture, one can never be too sure of how the disease may have triggered. Sometimes Dupuytren’s Contracture is caused due to overexertion of the hand or an injury, but sometimes the cause can be deeper than that. The doctor will help you figure out whether it is simply genetic, or whether you may be dealing with some other medical complication.

Determining Intensity:

The doctor will carry out a careful examination of your hand to understand the status of the disease. The location of the cords and the nodules will be recorded, measurements will be taken of the range of motion of the fingers and the thumb, and the feeling in them will be tested. The doctor will then try to understand how far the disease has progressed and at what rate it is progressing so that further damage might be mitigated if possible.

Treatment Options:

Thus, the doctor will then advise you on which treatment to pursue. In some less severe cases, home treatment or radiation therapy may be advised, while for more serious cases, a steroid injection or surgery may be preferred. Your doctor will know which is better for you. Thus, like with any medical condition, a doctor plays a crucial role when it comes to dealing with Dupuytren’s Contracture.